Tag: Links

Do you remember, September 9, 2017 I published a blog post which was supposed to be the start of a ‘Blogger Prompt Chain’. Today I discovered Rachel Poli, one of the invited writers, has taken the chance to publish an amazing letter to her sister. Please read it on her blog – and I’m enthusiastic that the chain has been started. Thank you, Rachel, you rock!!

I was tagged by the lovely A.J. Alexander to do this Blogger Prompt Chain, which she created. The idea is to create a “chain” of stories written by writers and bloggers all over.

I think this is a wonderful idea and I was more than happen to be invited to participate.

Rules:

1. Pick one of the five given writing prompts (picked from here)
2. Set up the Blogger Prompt Chain banner and publish your story under the banner.
3. After your story, continue the chain by forwarding an invitation to five bloggers or writers. (In case a writer doesn’t have a blog, guest posts can be offered)
4. Don’t forget to link the writers to your blog and back to the one who invited you.
5. Publish the five writing prompts and rules!

Today I was reading about ‘Writing Prompts.’ I think we, as writers, know what they are. I was looking for something to blog about and thought maybe I’d find a prompt that can help me.

And all of a sudden I had an idea. I thought, why not inviting other writers, share these writing prompts with them and invite them to participate in kind of a ‘story collection’ under this one banner “Blogger Prompt Chain.”

I don’t want to make it too complicated. I don’t know if it even works, but I think it might be worth a try. I’m sure, some of the invited writers and bloggers won’t have the time to participate or don’t like the idea, and the chain might meet a dead end. But I would be curious how many like it.

What do you think, are you in?

(And I’m not going to be angry about any writer or blogger who’d like to accept the challenge without invitation. Just let me know so I can read your story, please!)

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Rules:

1. Pick one of the five given writing prompts (picked from here)
2. Set up the Blogger Prompt Chain banner and publish your story under the banner.
3. After your story, continue the chain by forwarding an invitation to five bloggers or writers. (In case a writer doesn’t have a blog, guest posts can be offered)
4. Don’t forget to link the writers to your blog and back to the one who invited you.
5. Publish the five writing prompts and rules!

Prompts:

a) The End of The Bucket ListWrite a story about a character who finds out that he or she is dying and has been knocking things off his/her bucket list and has finally reached the last item.

b) Get Out of the Car With Your Hands UpYou’re driving to your favorite city when you’re stopped by a police officer. Sure, you were going a few miles over the speed limit, so you’re not overly surprised. But you are surprised when the police officer gets to your car and screams, “Get out of your car with your hands up!” This leads to an unexpected night for you. Write this scene

c) Hiring a New VillainYour old villain quit over creative differences, so you’ve put yourself in charge of hiring a new villain for your novel. What questions do you ask? What does the new villain’s resume say? Write this scene as if it were a job interview.

d) At The End of The RainbowYou and a friend have decided to try and follow a rainbow to see if the end holds a pot of gold. But when you finally reach the end, you find something much more valuable than a pot of gold—and it changes your life. Write this scene.

e) The Letter All Writers Should WriteWrite a letter to a person who supported your writing career, whether that be a friend, a family member, a teacher (even one that supported you at a very young age before you knew that it would blossom into a writing career), an author you’ve never met but have been inspired by his or her writing. Do you thank them? Do you blame them? Take the letter in any direction you want.

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My choice: “The Letter All Writers Should Write”

Dear Sister,

I think it’s time you get this letter from me. I have been thinking about it for a long time, but I always feared I would forget something or be unable to express my feelings the way they should be expressed when it comes to you. And that’s why I’d like to start in our childhood.

Remember these times when we were sitting on the ground between the upstairs shower and my little bedroom in our pajamas, and you listened to the stories I told you? I know, it was a long time ago, but I still remember some of these stories, and I blush thinking about it. But I knew and know until now that you will never repeat one of them, that’s why I don’t need to worry.

A few years later, when I felt like writing, started with that one children’s story and poems you read them with interest and told me when you liked or disliked them.

It was you, years later, who recommended me to re-start writing, when I sank into depression, and it was you who encouraged me to go on and not stop until my stories were told.

Remember when I told you, that this one book I wrote ‘doesn’t feel right’? You advised me to set it aside until I’m ready to pick it up again and then decide what I’d do with it.

No matter what happened with us and where our path took us – you always were there for me, encouraging me, helping me, supporting me, advising me and no matter when I call I know you always take time.

I am very, very proud to have you as my sister and not ‘only’ a sister, but also my very best friend!
I love you!

Yours forever

AJ

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The five writers/bloggers I would like to invite to follow the ‘Blogger Prompt Chain’ are the following:

Mikhaeyla Kopievsky is an Australian indie writer and the debut author of “Resistance (Divided Elements #1)”, a dark dystopian tale set in post-apocalyptic Paris.

Mikhaeyla loves writing about complex and flawed characters in stories that explore philosophy, sociology and politics. She holds degrees in International Relations, Journalism, and Environmental Science.

I started writing my debut novel in late 2013. I was gearing up to participate in my first NaNaWriMo (a cataclysmic failure which I went on to blog about) and was excited about finally committing to starting AND finishing a novel. Looking back at that post brings back a lot of memories and feelings. I am so proud of how much I have learned in the years since, how much I have persevered, and how much I have grown as a writer and author!

What motivates you to write?

Originally, I was motivated by the burning desire to read a *good* story. I had hit a rough patch of reading, where everything was leaving me unsatisfied. Books I started failed to live up to expectations or failed to ignite my imagination or failed to challenge and inspire me. I wanted to write *those* kinds of stories. Since immersing myself more in the writing and literary world, I have been blessed to find a whole cavalcade of great books – which constantly motivate me to write better, to craft more interesting stories and to provide my readers with an unparalleled reading experience.

Now, I’m motivated by the tiny seeds of story ideas that are constantly bugging me to be planted! I have at least ten ideas for new books and series that will have to wait until the Divided Elements series is complete before they get their day in the sun. But the desire to explore these ideas and worlds and characters is incredibly tempting, so I am always pushing myself to finish the current project so that I can start on the next.

What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

I tend to write in dystopian, post-apocalyptic and urban scifi/fantasy. I love stories set in gritty environments that challenge both the characters and the readers to reimagine the word they live in and confront complex sociological, political and philosophical ideas.

What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

Like most authors, my dream is to be able to write full-time – to spend my days dreaming up new stories and wrestling with words to craft the perfect novel! Obviously, there are the pipe-dreams – to win acclaim and prestigious awards, to have a major Hollywood studio offer me a movie deal, to see gazillions of copies and never work again – but really, the major goal (and dream) is to connect with readers. Awards and movie deals and sales are nice, but there is something very special in reading a review of your book or getting an email from a reader and seeing how much they have been touched by something you have created.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

Not so much writer’s block, but I’ve definitely found myself at points in the story where I needed an elegant and complex solution to a plot problem and twisted my mind inside-out for days (and weeks) trying to find it. I also usually baulk at writing difficult scenes – especially those that require a lot of emotional vulnerability. I typically leave these scenes unwritten for the first draft and come back to write them when I am well-rested and ready to really unleash the next level of myself into the book.

What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

Learn your craft! There are great websites and books and blogs out there that give excellent advice and support to new writers. My favorites are:

“Resistance” is the first book in my new dystopian series Divided Elements. Readers have described it as a “whirlwind cross between Fahrenheit 451 and Divergent” and as a “thought-provoking and subversive” addition to the dystopian genre.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic Paris and follows Anaiya 234, a Peacekeeper in the Fire Element. When forbidden murals start appearing on crumbling infrastructure around the city, Anaiya is selected to undergo a radical procedure to change her identity and go undercover in the unpredictable Air Element. Tasked with uncovering and dismantling this new Resistance, Anaiya must first overcome the internal conflict of her divided identity. But, when notions of self and truth become fluid, and concepts of obedience and loyalty shatter, will her new alignment bring success to the mission or place it in dire jeopardy?

This book will appeal to readers of classical dystopias like Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World” and George Orwell’s “1984” as well as to fans of YA dystopian novels like Veronica Roth’s “Divergent” and Pierce Brown’s “Red Rising” who are looking for more challenging ideas and mature content.

See what other readers are saying about Resistance (Divided Elements #1) on its Goodreads page.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

The official online launch for Resistance takes place on Saturday 4 February. There will be excerpt readings, an author Q&A, and special guests to talk about the development of the book’s cover art and discuss the themes of the book. I would love to invite your readers to attend – they can RSVPhere (it’s an open invitation, so feel free to share with friends and family!)

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn’t start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God’s Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

Things go from bad to worse when the Galvadi Empire develops a new technology to use against the shadow stalkers. Now Kado and Makari are more determined than ever to keep Auren away from their enemies, but Auren decides enough is enough and takes matters into her own hands. She turns herself over to the Galvadi to get close to Drevin and Makari has no choice but to play along. He is forced to either torture Auren to prove his loyalty or die knowing she will be tortured and enslaved anyway. Somehow, they must get close enough to Drevin to bring him down and put an end to the Galvadi’s tyranny once and for all.

Episode 13: Defiance

Three years have passed since Auren and Shai escaped the daily torture of the Galvadi. With Makari’s help, they have learned more about the Galvadi’s technology and discovered ways to overcome its effects on their power, which gave them an edge in the war. However, the Galvadi have spent that time developing new technology that could mean the end of the shadow stalkers.

Episode 14: Falling to Pieces

Things go from bad to worse after Cali is captured by the Galvadi. The new technology they have employed is making a rescue attempt impossible and endangering the lives of all the shadow stalkers. Auren refuses to give up though, but the more she tries to fix thing, the more Kado tightens the leash.

Episode 15: Into My Own

Just when Auren thinks she’d had enough of Kado’s overbearing and overprotective nature, he surprises her by apologizing and admitting he had been wrong. Auren finally accepts that she is not at fault for Cali’s death after visiting her in the shadow world, but Kado and Makari are still preventing her from confronting Drevin. They don’t feel she is ready, and Auren is beginning to believe they will never let her fulfil her destiny. It’s time she takes matters into her own hands.

Episode 16: A New Emperor

Makari is told the only way he can prove his loyalty is by torturing Auren, but he refuses to go through it. So Jharak, Drevin’s master interrogator, took the liberty to be the one to break her, but in the end, it would take forcing her to watch him torture and kill Makari.

Episode 17: Allies to Enemies Part 1

Traitors are weeded out and new allies are found. Auren and Makari are determined to bring peace once again to the Serpent Isles, but they have a deadline. If they don’t make it in time, they could end up at war with their own people.

Episode 18: Allies to Enemies Part 2

General Graves wants Auren and Makari dead. When Makari demands one of Graves’ men, who secretly supports Makari, is sent to him for extra security at the palace, Graves uses a mind control drug to get him to assassinate them. Will Auren and Makari learn what happened before it’s too late?

Excerpt – Episode 13: Chapter 1 (feel free to use all or part of the excerpt)

Cali gave me a nudge as she took a seat next to me. “Do you have any idea what’s going on?”

“No idea,” I said, moving over a few inches so she had space to sit between me and Shai on the log someone had converted into a bench.

Shai slung an arm around her cousin and Cali returned the gesture, then wrapped her free arm around me. I smiled at her. Cali was the only one who had helped me maintain my sanity over the years. It drove me crazy never knowing what was happening to Makari. Kado kept me busy, as usual, but any time I had a free moment, all I could do was wonder if he was safe. I would know if he died. I would sense him again in the shadow world. He had been blocking me to keep me safe, though I had no idea how it was supposed to help. All it did was make me want to go to him, which would be more dangerous.

Of course, Kado would never allow that. He saw my thoughts as I had them most of the time, and he would know as soon as I made the decision. I learned quickly not to allow my thoughts to go down that path too often. That’s where Cali came in. She distracted me by helping me forget the war and making me feel like a normal person once in a while. She was as good a friend as Jade, except she didn’t encourage me to disobey Kado when I was angry.

“Maybe the Galvadi have decided to give up,” Shai said, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Cali snorted.

“I know. It’s wishful thinking.”

I smiled at Shai. “I want this to be over too.”

“You’ll figure it out soon.” Cali gave my shoulder a squeeze.

All the shadow warriors knew the end of the war would not come until I stopped Drevin. The only problem was I had no idea what I was supposed to do, and no amount of training helped. Each day it seemed like I was further from my goal instead of closer.

After everyone had taken their seats, Kado held up a hand calling us all to silence. “Makari has just given me some disheartening news. The Galvadi have developed a—”

I tried to listen, but I couldn’t get past the fact that Makari had been here. “He didn’t even bother to see me?”

Kado glared at me, and I suddenly realized I’d blurted it aloud.

“Makari has to keep a low profile for his own safety, and they were not aware he had left. He couldn’t stay away long.”

“I think it’s time he left the Galvadi all together,” I said, folding my arms over my chest.

“It would be the healthier option,” Cali added on my behalf.

“Makari’s work has been invaluable to us, and would not be possible if he weren’t living among them for the time being,” Kado said, then leaned in my direction looking straight into my eyes. “And he knows what he is doing.”

Kado watched me, and I was sure he was waiting to see if I would continue to interrupt him. I remained silent, but neither he nor Makari would be able to convince me the man I loved wasn’t taking an unnecessary risk. They could get whatever information they needed from their missions.

When he was sure I wouldn’t interrupt again he finished explaining that the Galvadi had developed a new recinder and how it worked. “You will need to avoid capture at all costs. Once these recinders are placed on you, there is no known way to nullify its effects even after removal. Auren, I want you to visit Makari’s unit to steal the schematics, and if possible, one of the recinders along with any other information you can find about new technologies. Makari suspects there is more, but they are keeping him in the dark.”

I stood quickly, smacking my hands together. “When do I leave?”

“Wait a moment. I have other things I need to discuss with you first.”

I sat again, hoping I wasn’t in for one of his long lectures.

“The rest of you are dismissed. Sephir, you and Shai are clear to leave on that special mission you’ve been training for as soon as you’re ready, but please be careful.”

“We will,” Sephir said, bowing.

I leaned over Cali to give Shai a quick hug. Cali wrapped her arms around both of us. Shai stood as soon as we released her, and Sephir, who had been standing next to her, wrapped an arm around her as they headed off.

“Good luck,” Cali said, winking at me before following Sephir and her cousin.

Kado sat next to me. “Auren, you have been the most adept at overcoming the effects of the beryllonium. That’s why I’m sending you on this mission, but you need to be extra careful this time. Makari believes even you wouldn’t stand a chance with this new recinder. If they are looking for test subjects, they may also have new ways of detaining shadow stalkers that Makari might not be aware of. If you are discovered, do not take any risks. Makari will not be able to help you. You will need to leave immediately. Understood?”

“Yes, Kado. I’ll be fine.” I only just managed to stop my eyes from rolling.

“I’m serious, Auren. We can always return later, but if you are captured, you may be lost to us for good this time.”

The fear in Kado’s eyes sobered me. Things came easily to me now that I had completed my training, and though I had discovered abilities not even Kado had known about, I wasn’t foolish enough to believe I was all powerful. Sometimes my foster father seemed to worry more than he should, but I was beginning to think that wasn’t the case here.

“I’ll be careful, Kado. I promise.” It wouldn’t hurt to pay Makari a little visit too if he was alone.

Kado gripped my arm and tilted my head with his free hand so I was looking directly at him. “Under no circumstances are you to seek out Makari. If you attempt something so foolish, Auren, you will be punished and banned from future missions.”

My shoulders sagged. “It was an errant thought, Kado. I will focus on my mission.”

“The mission and nothing else, Auren. This is important.”

I nodded and averted my eyes. I just missed him. That’s all it was.

“I know you miss him, Auren, and that it’s been hard for you both to be apart, but it won’t be forever. You and Makari will have your time in this world if the shadow people will it, but not if you risk both your lives on foolishness.”

“I know. I’m sorry.” Makari was being the more foolish of us both, and yet Kado supported him. It didn’t make sense, but whenever I brought the subject up with either of them, they redirected the conversation.

Kado pulled me into a tight hug and whispered, “Come back to me in one piece, please.”

I began writing at around ten or eleven years old. I wrote poetry, short stories, and started a novel besides journaling about my life. Coming from a dysfunctional family I found writing to be a way to deal with it. Reading was another escape so I was an avid reader.

What motivates you to write?

I am motivated by something deep inside me. I like to address social and health issues. I believe that through articles, pamphlets, and books important and inspirational information can reach the general public.

What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

My genre for non-fiction is health/wellness. For fiction it is historical or biographical. I am a retired RN and nurse therapist who has used complementary therapies right next to traditional medicine. I believe they both have a role in our whole health. This is what I did before I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and continued it with full support from my oncologist.

I have always liked to read historical and biographical fiction and non-fiction. My family history lends itself to write about a too often loss of healthy father-son relationships, and the strong scorn my grandfather suffered as an illegitimate child. Things have changed since the 1880’s, but there is still a stigma attached in many cases.

I find people fascinating and love to learn about their lives…and then write about them.

What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

I like to write fiction and non-fiction that might bring some peace, sense of hope, understanding, or love to the reader. Social and health issues are my motivators for books, publications, and articles.

My dream is that through writing “Outshine” and my various articles women will begin to pay attention and act on any symptom that is typical of ovarian cancer. 22,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed, but 14,000 of us will die before 5 years. The main reasons are because of the subtlety of the symptoms, women not listening to their bodies (especially below the waist), physicians not considering ovarian cancer as the first diagnosis to rule out, and lack of good testing. Therefore too many women are diagnosed in the later stages of III and IV.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

Writer’s block does not happen very often, but when it does I do well to first step away from my desk and do some activity (walking, gardening, etc.) that takes my mind off the writing process. Then I go back to my desk, meditate, and as I gaze out at the lake I let the words come to me.

What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

Trust yourself; believe in yourself. The publishing world is a difficult world to understand, maneuver through, and from which to be recognized. However, do NOT give up. Contact author and writer blogs, websites; check out book clubs (my favorite is Rave Reviews Book Club); do book presentations, and use social media aggressively.

Please, tell us about your work.

My first book is titled, “Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir.” It won first place in the category of Women’s Health for the Indie Excellence Book Awards. All proceeds go to gynecologic cancer research. Ovarian cancer is one in which there is little awareness even within the medical field. There will be 70% of the diagnosed women who will not survive this disease every year.

A novel, “Novy’s Son” is based on a true story of a son searching for his father’s love and acceptance. This is a common social problem when a father is unable to teach his son what it is to be a man and a father himself someday. This has been coined the loss of the “Iron John” by Robert Bly.

My recent novel, “Davida: Model & Mistress of Augustus Saint-Gaudens” is based on the true story of America’s preeminent sculptor from 1880-1920’s and his model. The love affair lasted twenty-five years.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

WordPress has changed a few things on the tech side since I first wrote about doing Ping Backs 2 years ago. I’m also more serious in my approach to my Tip Blog Posts, so here’s an updated take on things.

What does a Ping Back mean?

For our purposes a Ping is when one website speaks to another website.

How does that conversation take place?

You take the URL from one Blog Post and place within the content of the Blog Post of the other website and make sure it is active/live/working.

My first book was published in 2009. I ve always been interested in writing, but never was brave enough to try publishing anything until then.

What motivates you to write

I love encouraging children to reach for their goals and dreams, even if those dreams seem to be unattainable. You never know what can be done until you try. Very often, we surprise ourselves if we persevere.

What genre do you write in and what made you chose this particular genre?

I chose to write for children because I love them and I want them to know they’re all special and unique. I would like to be a good role model for them and a testament that you can achieve more than you think.

What is your goal in writing? Do you have dreams where your writing should take you?

I would like to continue to inspire children that all things are possible, if you never give up on your dreams and goals. One long term goal I have is to have a movie made from my book, Tails of Sweetbrier. It’s an inspiring true story that would make a memorable movie, in my opinion.

Do you ever suffer from writer’s block and if yes, how do you deal with it?

Yes, I do. Usually, I take a little break to relax. Eventually, the ideas come back to me. I think when this happens you should do something that you enjoy to relax you. I love listening to music, for example.

What advice would you like to give new, hopeful authors?

I would say never give up on your dream of becoming an author. Once you’ve found your passion, pursue it. Spend time reading other authors’ work. Read your work. Take a course if you can, or find a critique group to help improve your stories. I can’t say your journey will be an easy one, but when you succeed, it will be well worth the effort. Anything you do requires effort, failures and successes. The failures are the stepping stones to success.

Please, tell us about your work.

My first book is called Tails of Sweetbrier. It’s an award-winning autobiography about a little girl who is handicapped and dreams of becoming a champion equestrian. It will show readers anything is possible if you persevere. My other stories are: Charlie the Horse, Charlene the Star, Charlene the Star and Hattie’s Heroes, and Charlene the Star and Bentley Bulldog. Those four tales are told by the animal characters themselves. All of my books are beautifully illustrated by my sister, Holly Humphrys-Bajaj, who also designs the covers. Each book conveys positive, character-building messages for children. We have been honored to win several awards including: The silver medal in the Feathered Quill Book Awards, Finalist in the CLIPPA, Honorable mention in the Purple Dragon Book Awards, and a winner in the “50 Great Authors You Should Be Reading Contest.” I’ve been featured in several author interviews, including a TV interview on WTNH.com/CTStyle.

Thank you for being my guest. It was such a pleasure to have you here!!

Thank you very much for inviting me. It was a pleasure to be here.

All books are available on Amazon. Here are some links which might be of interest: